Mount Meru

Mount Meru is one of Africa’s most beautiful volcanoes, and it is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at 4,566m, the fifth highest in Africa. It is situated inside Arusha National Park. This makes it special, as walkers can spot wildlife that lives in the area.

This mountain is an attractive alternative to Kilimanjaro as it can be climbed in 3 to 4 days and needs less time for acclimatization. Meru is a rewarding hiking destination with its own areas of sheer beauty. On your way, you will pass through wooded savannah while spotting giraffes and buffalos. The lower slopes of the mountain are covered in dense highland forest, where black and white colobus monkeys play around swinging from trees. As you ascend, the flora changes into spanish moss, with soft clover underfoot, to open heath spiked with giant lobelias and moorland towards the top.

The geology of the summit consists of a perfectly formed crater with sharp cliffs and an ash cone which creates a secondary inverted peak. The summit can be reached through a narrow, barren ridge and the view of the ash cone and the cliff face leading to the summit is breathtaking.

From Mt. Meru’s summit, you will also enjoy views of Mt Kilimanjaro to the west, rising high with its glacial slopes and snowy peak glinting in the sun.

Active Tanzania has vast experience in mountain climbing and will arrange everything to ensure your route up to the impressive summit is a great experience. You will be accompanied by a guide, an armed ranger, a porter and a cook.

Your accommodation will be in two huts complete with fireplaces. The best time to climb Meru is between June and February.